is this a good idea. im looking for something under $2000 to race motocross. i have also heard of frame abd bottem end trouble. what is the best year to look for? what is the top speed? what is the rear wheel HP? how does it handle? is it reliable?

thanks in advance,
Tommy B.

 

'87 - '92 are the best years and they will do ok. Try to spend money when you can because they respond well to mods.

 

as an entry level racer, the LT is great. i race my '91 occasionally- both MX and a couple hare scrambles a year, i ride trails and dunes with it too.
bone stock the '88-92 motor claimed 34 hp i think, with a few mods 40+ hp isn't unrealistic. mine with stock porting and carb, bored 0.020", FMF piped, K&N, will do about 70 i think.
the '85-86 have less power and even less aftermarket available, they are narrower, and have less suspension travel in front.

the only drawbacks they have that i've seen are:
1- frames do have weaknesses and will crack under severe use. later years have more gussets('91-92 have the most) and should be stronger
2- they have bump steer... going to aftermarket wider A-arms helps a little, once you flip the outer tie rod end and make some ajustments.
3- the zero degree rake in the front suspension makes for a more harsh ride.
4- nowhere near as much aftermarket parts as the hondas, but there are plenty still available
5- chain adjustment on the stock swingarms from '87-92 stinks, and they do crack in severe use.

some interesting things:
the '85-90 rear shock linkage is the same, elka makes a 12" travel rear shock for these. but... the '91-92 rear shock provided a little more travel than than previously, and a better ride i think.
HSD makes a long travel(12"+) front end with frame mod
the '87 motor had a different reed cage & porting, but the bottom end is the same as the '88-92.
'87-92 front suspension is all the same.

in all- they are good reliable machines if maintained, and eye kept on the frame for any cracks.

 

Dualsporter,where do you race,SIR?or I guess I should say Pacific Raceways?Oakwood?Monroe?Im in Kirkland,Once I get some of the bugs worked out ,lets go put the hammer down!l8R

 

JTRtrx250r-
i've raced a few times at oakwood & pacific raceways(SIR), and a scramble at horn rapids so far & i'll be going back. i've been wanting to try our some other spots.
at SIR i do ok in 2-stroke C, i'm not fast, i need to prctice.

i'm working on a few projects myself, one is rebuilding top & bottom of the LT's engine.... one they're done i'll be ready to roll again. shouldn't be long.

 

You and me both man,lol,I havent got to run PRW(sir)yet this year,my protoge'(spelling)has been doin great in the beginner class(#72)every time I ride I manage to break something,he's probably gettin faster than me,lol,well good luck to ya and maybe we can hit the races soon,we're tryin to find a good place to practice,when we do,I'll definitly let ya know,take care and have a good one and hopefully you'll hear from me soon[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]